There was one passenger in the sleigh, and Kasha could see there was an air of authority about her. She was wrapped from head to foot in lavish, light gray furs, though Kasha did not recognize the species. She had a box on her lap, which she flipped open, selected a delicacy, and casually popped it into her mouth. 

The woman was as tall as Kasha. She removed her fur hat, tossed it back into the sleigh, and smiled. Up closer, Kasha could see she was an older woman with long silver hair, but a strong body lay beneath the heavy furs. There was beauty in her face, despite the red scars beneath both eyes.

“I believe introductions are in order? I’m Beira Freydasdottir, though flatterers call me, The Queen of the Snow Travelers. Others use less flattering appellations such as, The White Witch of the North,” Beira said.